00:00:00
Speaker 1: Previously in Act One. It's 1991, Chelsea, an hour after the rain. Paul, a grieving gay widower, has just killed a young man in the alley behind a gay bar. He says it was self-defense. He kept hitting anyway. He runs to his sister Susan, who hides his bloody clothes and lies to her husband. What Paul doesn't know is that someone saw the whole thing. Daniel, a homeless street witness, watched it happen from behind the trash cans and and gave the police a description that looked nothing like Paul. The dead boy was Will. His mother, Lori, cuts hair in the village, and she has been sleeping with her parish priest. She told her son about it before he died. He laughed. Susan is pregnant, Bradley is dying of AIDS, and Daniel, who has been watching Paul longer than anyone realizes, has decided to keep his secret. By the end of Act 1, Lori has destroyed a customer at her salon and walked out for good. Exterior, New York City Street, a moment later. Lori begins descending the subway steps to the PATH train. Paul runs across the street and follows Lori down into the subway. Exterior, PATH train exit later. Lori exits onto the street. Paul is seen in a cluster of people also exiting onto the street. Exterior, Jersey City Street later. Paul watches Lori entering her building. Interior, Lori's bedroom, evening. Lori and Father James are in bed. They just had sex.
00:01:31
Speaker 2: You shouldn't have quit your job.
00:01:33
Speaker 3: What I really wanted to do is scald his head with the dye.
00:01:36
Speaker 2: That's not like you.
00:01:39
Speaker 3: I'm enjoying the hatred. It's giving me something else to feel.
00:01:44
Speaker 4: He wants to be a platinum blonde this season. Useless and ugly in this frightening world.
00:01:49
Speaker 2: You don't know that.
00:01:51
Speaker 3: He'll probably live to be a hundred.
00:01:53
Speaker 2: Bury us all. Please, See somebody?
00:01:59
Speaker 3: Find me a therapist whose son was murdered.
00:02:01
Speaker 5: I'll see her.
00:02:02
Speaker 1: Father James gets out of bed and starts dressing.
00:02:06
Speaker 2: What are you going to do?
00:02:08
Speaker 3: Maybe move to Florida, Tampa. My sister's there.
00:02:12
Speaker 2: Well, that might not be a bad idea.
00:02:17
Speaker 4: So I'd leave here, and you wouldn't care?
00:02:20
Speaker 3: Of course I would.
00:02:22
Speaker 2: I'd visit as often as I could.
00:02:27
Speaker 3: You'll find somebody else to take care of your priestly needs.
00:02:31
Speaker 2: Yeah, there's already a waiting list.
00:02:36
Speaker 4: In a way, you're ideal for a middle-aged woman who's used to living alone, you're dependable, you stick to a schedule, and you're.
00:02:45
Speaker 3: Never around long enough to mess up an apartment.
00:02:47
Speaker 2: Well, maybe you should write my ad for the church bulletin.
00:02:50
Speaker 6: If I move to.
00:02:51
Speaker 4: Florida, do you think finally you could.
00:02:56
Speaker 3: Spend the night?
00:02:59
Speaker 2: Most definitely.
00:03:01
Speaker 1: Interior, AA meeting, evening. Some people are taking their seats, but most are standing and chatting. A few people surround the coffee area. Paul is seated. Daniel nervously makes his way over to Paul.
00:03:13
Speaker 2: Is anyone sitting there?
00:03:15
Speaker 7: No.
00:03:15
Speaker 1: Daniel sits down.
00:03:17
Speaker 2: I like this meeting. It's okay. It's friendlier than most. I hope I'm not bothering you.
00:03:24
Speaker 5: I'm just not very talkative tonight.
00:03:26
Speaker 2: You never are. You don't share. I've never seen you talking with anyone.
00:03:32
Speaker 5: What are you?
00:03:34
Speaker 4: A.A.
00:03:34
Speaker 5: Police?
00:03:35
Speaker 1: Paul is uncomfortable with Daniel sitting next to him. Could be Daniel's clothes or perhaps his smell. Daniel is super aware of this and is equally uncomfortable.
00:03:44
Speaker 2: Sorry, I'm bothering you. I just wanted to say hello and I wanted to let you know.
00:03:54
Speaker 1: Daniel's getting more and more nervous. He gets up.
00:03:58
Speaker 2: That I think are very beautiful.
00:03:59
Speaker 1: Paul has no idea what to make of this. A man is stepping up to the podium.
00:04:04
Speaker 2: Hi, my name is Robert, and I'm... By the way, my name's Daniel.
00:04:08
Speaker 1: Daniel quickly leaves. Interior shower, homeless shelter, that evening. Daniel is in the shower. Martin, a 60-some-year-old, passes the shower stall.
00:04:18
Speaker 2: Daniel, this lights out in a couple minutes.
00:04:21
Speaker 1: There's a ruckus up at the front door.
00:04:23
Speaker 2: You know the rules, Carl.
00:04:25
Speaker 5: It's Celia, bitch.
00:04:27
Speaker 2: You can't come.
00:04:27
Speaker 6: In here high.
00:04:28
Speaker 1: The sound of Martin slamming the door is heard.
00:04:30
Speaker 4: Where the hell am I supposed to go tonight?
00:04:34
Speaker 1: Daniel, hearing all this, tries to shut out the sound of Celia's voice. Interior, the candle. Gay bar on the Upper West Side that evening. The bar's not very crowded. In the corner, sipping a beer, is Richard, Lori's ex-boss. Paul pauses at the bar. He's not seen Richard yet.
00:04:50
Speaker 2: What'll it be?
00:04:51
Speaker 1: Paul wants a real drink, but can't decide if he's going to have one.
00:04:55
Speaker 3: Water.
00:04:56
Speaker 1: The bartender hands Paul a small bottle of water. Paul pays and turns around and spots Richard. Should he walk over to him? He decides yes.
00:05:07
Speaker 5: Hi there.
00:05:08
Speaker 2: Hello.
00:05:09
Speaker 5: You're Richard, right?
00:05:11
Speaker 6: How did you know?
00:05:13
Speaker 5: I'm clairvoyant. I know people's names, ages. That's a real curse. And their favorite I Love Lucy episode. I've been to your salon.
00:05:24
Speaker 6: Really?
00:05:25
Speaker 4: Yeah.
00:05:26
Speaker 5: Oh, I've been there. The woman who cut my hair, she's the one whose son was killed. How's she doing?
00:05:35
Speaker 2: Not well.
00:05:39
Speaker 5: Does she have any other children?
00:05:41
Speaker 2: I really don't want to talk about her.
00:05:45
Speaker 6: Sorry.
00:05:48
Speaker 5: You know, once upon a time, people thought I was charming.
00:05:52
Speaker 2: Once upon a time, we all were. Another time, another universe.
00:05:58
Speaker 5: Boy, it's empty in here tonight.
00:06:00
Speaker 2: It's the times.
00:06:03
Speaker 5: And the boys are getting more efficient. They're on the phone lines now. You're very attractive.
00:06:12
Speaker 6: For an older guy.
00:06:15
Speaker 5: You look married. I bet you got a boyfriend.
00:06:19
Speaker 2: I had one. He died.
00:06:22
Speaker 4: Oh.
00:06:23
Speaker 5: Those dead boyfriends. They're all over the place these days. I've got one of them, too. Sorry. Let's not swap war stories.
00:06:34
Speaker 1: Paul starts shaking and sweating.
00:06:37
Speaker 5: You okay? I can't believe this. I'm not drinking anymore. And suddenly all I want is a beer. Craving it. I didn't think this would happen to me. Um, let me give you my number.
00:06:52
Speaker 2: Don't bother. I'm not ready to hook up.
00:06:56
Speaker 1: Although Paul is slightly shaking, he goes into his pocket, pulls out a piece of paper, and writes his number down.
00:07:02
Speaker 5: Well, you never know. Some night you might be interested in war stories.
00:07:06
Speaker 2: You okay?
00:07:08
Speaker 5: Or maybe some night you'll have an erotic dream about me.
00:07:11
Speaker 6: I don't have them anymore.
00:07:12
Speaker 5: Please, take it. I can't believe how much I'm shaking.
00:07:17
Speaker 1: Richard takes the number.
00:07:19
Speaker 5: Thanks. You never know.
00:07:23
Speaker 1: Paul rushes out of the bar. Richard is worried about this stranger. Exterior, Jersey City, in front of Lori's building, day. Lori walks out of her building and heads for the coffee shop on the corner. Paul, looking tired, is not far behind and follows her into the shop. Interior, Jersey City coffee bar, moments later. It's a Starbucks-like coffee bar. Lori has gotten her coffee. She looks around the room and stops at the only empty table and sits. Paul is watching her. He's gotten his coffee. Lori pulls out a newspaper. Paul approaches her.
00:07:56
Speaker 5: Hello.
00:07:59
Speaker 3: Do I know you?
00:08:01
Speaker 5: Lori, right? You used to cut my hair in the village.
00:08:06
Speaker 3: Sorry, I don't remember you.
00:08:09
Speaker 5: Well, not that memorable. Paul.
00:08:13
Speaker 4: Sorry.
00:08:14
Speaker 5: Sorry. May I?
00:08:17
Speaker 1: Paul does not wait for her response and takes a seat at her table. This makes Lori uncomfortable.
00:08:23
Speaker 5: You're not there anymore, are you? No. Are you at some other shop now?
00:08:28
Speaker 3: A beauty parlor. Around here. It's just women.
00:08:33
Speaker 5: Is it easier than gay guys?
00:08:35
Speaker 3: They're about the same.
00:08:37
Speaker 5: Fussy, right?
00:08:38
Speaker 3: That's one way of putting it. I don't remember you. And I usually remember my clients.
00:08:45
Speaker 4: Yes.
00:08:45
Speaker 5: Maybe I wasn't that fussy.
00:08:47
Speaker 3: Then I'd really remember you.
00:08:49
Speaker 5: It's nice seeing you again. I believe there's a mass tonight at St. Anthony's.
00:08:55
Speaker 1: Lori's getting more and more uncomfortable with this guy. She's glad there are other people around.
00:09:01
Speaker 5: I think I need church these days.
00:09:04
Speaker 3: Why?
00:09:05
Speaker 5: I lost my lover.
00:09:08
Speaker 2: He died.
00:09:09
Speaker 1: Lori softens a bit.
00:09:11
Speaker 3: So you're looking for a reason.
00:09:15
Speaker 5: Maybe.
00:09:15
Speaker 3: Or you're hoping you'll see him again?
00:09:18
Speaker 5: Oh, I don't know about that. That seems too fairytale-ish to me.
00:09:23
Speaker 2: It is.
00:09:25
Speaker 3: Then don't you wonder what the sense of believing any of it?
00:09:30
Speaker 5: It gives you the possibility.
00:09:35
Speaker 3: Kind of like that.
00:09:38
Speaker 5: Are you okay?
00:09:41
Speaker 3: You know about my son, don't you?
00:09:46
Speaker 2: Yes.
00:09:47
Speaker 5: Damn you. Are you from some activist group?
00:09:51
Speaker 3: Don't you people understand? I don't want to have anything to do with you.
00:09:54
Speaker 5: I'm not part of any group. Really, I'm not. They should all leave you alone.
00:09:59
Speaker 3: Like you're doing.
00:10:02
Speaker 5: I am so sorry Paul gets up I'm sorry I shouldn't be bothering you we have to deal with our grief in our own way don't we chip at it bit by bit how's your chipping going won't be over not in this lifetime.
00:10:21
Speaker 1: Better go paul tries to smile at laurie but he's now crying for the first time since the accident laurie grabs paul's hand and pulls him back to his seat a couple of customers glance their way laurie hands him a napkin.
00:10:36
Speaker 3: I hate to see boys cry but we do i.
00:10:42
Speaker 4: Shouldn't have come over to you why did you were you looking for someone sadder than yourself i'm gonna ask what everyone is asking me Are you getting any help?
00:10:54
Speaker 5: There is no help.
00:10:56
Speaker 3: I know what you mean.
00:11:00
Speaker 5: Would you like to come to Mass with me? What?
00:11:04
Speaker 1: Paul starts pulling himself together.
00:11:07
Speaker 5: I don't know why I asked you that. I'm acting crazy. I'm sorry.
00:11:10
Speaker 4: I used to feel comfortable in church, but not anymore. When you go there, where do you like to sit?
00:11:22
Speaker 5: In the back?
00:11:23
Speaker 4: Huh.
00:11:24
Speaker 5: Me too. The front for movies?
00:11:27
Speaker 3: Absolutely.
00:11:28
Speaker 5: The back for church?
00:11:30
Speaker 3: No church for me right now.
00:11:33
Speaker 5: Why not?
00:11:34
Speaker 3: Ever since my son was killed, I've become paranoid.
00:11:37
Speaker 4: Afraid.
00:11:38
Speaker 6: Of what?
00:11:43
Speaker 2: God.
00:11:45
Speaker 5: But he's love. Is he?
00:11:48
Speaker 1: They sit silently for a moment, looking away from each other. Then Lori looks more and more uncomfortable. She looks away from him and Paul notices.
00:11:56
Speaker 5: Sorry.
00:11:57
Speaker 1: He slowly gets up and leaves. Exterior street. Paul walks, looking like life has been drained out of him. Dissolved to interior Ron's apartment early that evening, Paul is sitting in Ron's small living room. It looks like a meeting has been held there. Few chairs are in a circle. Plates filled with the remains of snacks and popcorn are all over the room, as are water glasses and coffee cups.
00:12:21
Speaker 7: I thought you were coming to the team meeting tonight. The team was looking forward to it.
00:12:26
Speaker 5: I forgot I had a meeting with this woman.
00:12:29
Speaker 6: From AA? Yeah.
00:12:32
Speaker 2: Oh well.
00:12:33
Speaker 1: Ron comes out of the bathroom and starts straightening up his living room.
00:12:37
Speaker 5: How'd the meeting go?
00:12:38
Speaker 4: It was a tough one.
00:12:40
Speaker 5: Are you okay?
00:12:41
Speaker 7: I'm sorry I'm not my perky positive self.
00:12:44
Speaker 1: The two men just look at each other for a moment. Ron almost looks like he's shaking.
00:12:48
Speaker 2: I'm sorry. How'd your meeting go? Not well.
00:12:53
Speaker 5: She's suffering a great loss and I didn't help.
00:12:56
Speaker 2: How do you know?
00:12:57
Speaker 5: I know. What happened at your meeting?
00:13:03
Speaker 7: Two of my team members had clients that are dying. And I kept thinking to Bradley. He's going to die soon.
00:13:10
Speaker 2: I'm in a rage.
00:13:11
Speaker 5: I know.
00:13:12
Speaker 7: At our government. At the churches that tell us we're all going to hell. At those comedians who still think it's okay to tell a fag or AIDS joke.
00:13:20
Speaker 5: I remember when I was on your team.
00:13:22
Speaker 7: You make it sound like it was a century ago. It was less than six months.
00:13:29
Speaker 5: I've lost all consciousness of time. Some things feel like yesterday, and some yesterdays feel like a million years ago. Anyway, I was sitting with Joe in the hospital. You remember Joe? Of course.
00:13:44
Speaker 1: Ron sits down.
00:13:47
Speaker 5: We were watching some talk show, and some comic made an AIDS joke. Joe said, They hate us. All I could think was suppose some other guy in the hospital had the TV on and he was alone in his room and dying and that was the last thing he heard. I wish I could cry.
00:14:07
Speaker 2: I can't.
00:14:09
Speaker 5: I did today for the first time in a long time.
00:14:14
Speaker 2: With that woman?
00:14:15
Speaker 5: Yeah.
00:14:17
Speaker 6: How did it feel?
00:14:19
Speaker 5: It was all wrong. Do you feel like dinner?
00:14:25
Speaker 6: No.
00:14:29
Speaker 5: I know rage. It doesn't help. We have to try seeing the good.
00:14:34
Speaker 2: Where?
00:14:36
Speaker 5: In the work you're doing. How many on your team now? Ten. And they each have a client?
00:14:42
Speaker 2: Yes.
00:14:43
Speaker 5: Well, you're giving comfort to ten, no, counting Bradley, eleven people. Maybe I should come back to the team.
00:14:53
Speaker 7: Do you think you're ready?
00:14:56
Speaker 5: No.
00:14:58
Speaker 7: Bradley and I are worried about you. Something is going on that you're not talking about.
00:15:05
Speaker 2: Be honest.
00:15:07
Speaker 6: Are you sick?
00:15:08
Speaker 5: No. Really?
00:15:10
Speaker 2: Really. Thank God.
00:15:14
Speaker 5: I don't feel like being alone, and I don't feel like talking.
00:15:19
Speaker 2: Ditto.
00:15:22
Speaker 7: How about if we watch some bad TV? We might even have a laugh.
00:15:27
Speaker 5: Wouldn't that be something?
00:15:29
Speaker 1: Exterior, street near Riverside Drive, later that night. Daniel and Celia are walking down a deserted street.
00:15:37
Speaker 6: You heard me screaming outside that horrible place? You were there. Why didn't you say nothing?
00:15:47
Speaker 2: There was nothing I could do. You know that.
00:15:49
Speaker 6: You're smelling squeaky clean. What do they do? Lysol you at the shelter? I don't think he's going to like that. He likes his tricks dirty.
00:16:00
Speaker 2: I don't know if I'm in the mood for one of your jobs.
00:16:03
Speaker 6: This one's real easy. And it's $ 25 for each of us and some nice pills. Oh, that's right. You're going to that AA now.
00:16:14
Speaker 2: I go there to see him. And they have cookies.
00:16:18
Speaker 6: You don't even have to touch this guy. I don't even have to touch him. All you got to do is pretend like I'm a real woman.
00:16:25
Speaker 2: Can you say that's easy?
00:16:26
Speaker 6: Twirl on it. And you're my mean bastard of a pimp.
00:16:30
Speaker 1: Interior car on a deserted street a few minutes later. Celia is in the back seat with the John. He's jerking off as he caresses her leg. Daniel sits in the front seat. Only now and then does the John notice what a bad actor Daniel is tonight.
00:16:45
Speaker 2: You want that leg? Oh, I do, sir. Can I touch your pussy?
00:16:50
Speaker 6: A piece of shit like you?
00:16:52
Speaker 2: What would you do to me if I touched it, sir? You wouldn't want to know.
00:16:56
Speaker 6: Slap him.
00:16:57
Speaker 2: You said no fucking touching.
00:16:58
Speaker 5: You'd slap me, sir? Wouldn't you?
00:17:02
Speaker 2: Slap my white scumbag face?
00:17:03
Speaker 6: Do it. That's right.
00:17:05
Speaker 3: That's what you do.
00:17:06
Speaker 1: Daniel is feeling that this is ridiculous, but he turns and looks at the John and is suddenly, truly angry. He lets the John have it with a real good, hard slap, and the John comes. Daniel instantly steps out of the car. Exterior street continuous. Daniel walks a few paces from the car. He is disgusted with himself and the John. Celia and the John can be heard.
00:17:32
Speaker 6: That's 50 plus the pills. You brought the pills, didn't.
00:17:36
Speaker 5: You, Dr.
00:17:36
Speaker 6: McPherson?
00:17:37
Speaker 2: Of course. Was he into it? I couldn't really tell. Oh, yeah.
00:17:42
Speaker 6: It's just that he's getting over a cold. I bet when he wants to, you can be a real mean son of a bitch. Oh, yeah, yeah.
00:17:51
Speaker 2: Next time I want to see that side of him.
00:17:53
Speaker 4: Okay.
00:17:53
Speaker 6: Okay.
00:17:54
Speaker 1: Exterior, street in front of the burger barn, later. From the street, Daniel and Celia can be seen eating burgers and french fries. Celia is laughing. She's high. Daniel gets up and starts walking away from her.
00:18:07
Speaker 6: Where are you going?
00:18:08
Speaker 1: Dissolve to exterior, near Paul's building, later that night. It is pouring. Daniel is huddled in the doorway across the street from Paul's building. He sees Paul run into the building.
00:18:19
Speaker 5: Night, Paul.
00:18:21
Speaker 2: I know your name well.
00:18:25
Speaker 1: Dissolved to, close-up of Susan's face. She looks worried. She puts down the phone. Interior, Susan's living room, continuous. Late afternoon. Susan gets a jacket and is about to leave her apartment. Now his answering machine is off.
00:18:39
Speaker 2: I'm coming with you.
00:18:41
Speaker 3: No, I'd better go alone.
00:18:43
Speaker 1: Nicholas looks worried.
00:18:44
Speaker 6: I'll be okay.
00:18:45
Speaker 1: Interior, Paul's front door later. Susan is pounding on the door. Paul, open the fucking door!
00:18:52
Speaker 5: I'm coming!
00:18:52
Speaker 1: Paul slowly opens the door. Interior, Paul's apartment, continuous. Susan enters. The apartment is neat, except for the cartons of takeout food.
00:19:02
Speaker 3: You're making me feel like a grade B actress.
00:19:04
Speaker 5: Well, hello to you too.
00:19:06
Speaker 6: I have to see you.
00:19:08
Speaker 3: Phone calls are not enough, and today your machine was off.
00:19:13
Speaker 6: You look like you're losing weight.
00:19:15
Speaker 5: I've become a vegetarian.
00:19:16
Speaker 6: Since when?
00:19:17
Speaker 5: A couple weeks now. It's a way to curb violence. Not ingesting any more fear from the animal's When they're slaughtered. Uh-huh. Do you know how they kill chickens we eat? They scream. They cry. They want to live as much as we do.
00:19:35
Speaker 6: Shut up!
00:19:36
Speaker 1: Silence for a moment, then.
00:19:38
Speaker 5: I'm trying to be good.
00:19:39
Speaker 6: You need help. Now, who are we going to call?
00:19:43
Speaker 5: I don't want any help. Not now.
00:19:47
Speaker 6: Can you go back to work? It'll be good for you.
00:19:50
Speaker 5: Can't. Not for a while.
00:19:51
Speaker 6: This leave of absence was not a good idea. What are you doing for money?
00:19:58
Speaker 5: I've got some.
00:19:58
Speaker 3: Oh, for Christ's sakes, you're really frightening me.
00:20:01
Speaker 1: What do you do all day?
00:20:04
Speaker 6: Think.
00:20:06
Speaker 5: I visit Bradley... And sometimes I go to church.
00:20:11
Speaker 6: But you're an atheist.
00:20:13
Speaker 5: Don't remind me. I'm trying to believe. I so want to believe. I keep thinking. Keep praying. Keep praying. And maybe, maybe a miracle will occur. And suddenly I'll believe in God. They say that can happen. A God whose arms are open to everyone. A God who's embracing all our debt.
00:20:42
Speaker 6: Paul, look at what's happening to you.
00:20:47
Speaker 3: There has to be something or somebody that can help.
00:20:50
Speaker 5: If I could bring back that boy in the alley and make him love me, make him love us all.
00:20:57
Speaker 1: Susan is overwhelmed and has no answer for Paul's last statement. Brother and sister just look at each other. And then, suddenly... It was self-defense! It was an accident!
00:21:08
Speaker 5: How do you know?
00:21:09
Speaker 6: Because you wouldn't kill anybody.
00:21:12
Speaker 5: Look what I've done to you.
00:21:13
Speaker 1: You've taken care of me since I was six.
00:21:16
Speaker 3: That's what you've done to me.
00:21:17
Speaker 1: Paul embraces his sister. Silence for a moment, then.
00:21:22
Speaker 5: I can see a baby bump. I want to be a good uncle. I do. I'll find my way. I promise. I'll do it for you.
00:21:34
Speaker 1: Paul slowly lets go of Susan and heads to his answering machine and turns it on.
00:21:39
Speaker 5: Look, it's on.
00:21:41
Speaker 1: Exterior, in front of St. Anthony's Church, day. Lori climbs the steps to the church. Interior, St. Anthony's Church, continuous. Lori enters the church suspiciously, almost afraid. A few people are in the church. Father James is hearing confessions. A young man enters the confessional box. Lori looks at him. She looks around as if she's never been in a church before. She heads for the confessional box and hovers near it, waiting for the young man to come out. When he does, she enters the confessional. Interior, confessional box, continuous. Laurie makes the sign of the cross.
00:22:17
Speaker 3: Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. My last confession was.
00:22:20
Speaker 1: Father James recognizes Laurie's voice.
00:22:23
Speaker 2: Laurie, I shouldn't be hearing your confession.
00:22:26
Speaker 5: Why?
00:22:26
Speaker 3: Are you afraid that this will be more intimate than our fucking?
00:22:30
Speaker 2: Please, not here. I'm sorry.
00:22:32
Speaker 5: I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
00:22:35
Speaker 3: Don't deny me my confession, and it's you that has to hear it.
00:22:40
Speaker 2: Why did you feel such a strong need to confess at this moment?
00:22:45
Speaker 3: I feel our Lord has singled me out to suffer.
00:22:48
Speaker 1: Interior, AA meeting, the same time. An AA meeting is in process. Only the voices of Father James and Lori are heard. Paul is staring at the speaker, but not really paying attention. Daniel, a few rows behind, is looking longingly in Paul's direction.
00:23:04
Speaker 2: I know it feels that way, but it's not true.
00:23:08
Speaker 1: As Laurie speaks, the camera studies Paul's face and Daniel's face.
00:23:13
Speaker 4: I met this stranger. I was convinced that God did not exist. I was comfortable with that idea, but then suddenly.
00:23:21
Speaker 5: There it was.
00:23:22
Speaker 3: God exists!
00:23:26
Speaker 4: And he sent this stranger to me as a punishment. Now I'm frightened of him and frightened of my hate for him.
00:23:36
Speaker 2: Of this stranger?
00:23:37
Speaker 4: Of God!
00:23:38
Speaker 1: Close-up of Paul's blank stare, dissolved to exterior alley, night. A silent scene. Again, only the voices of Father James and Laurie are heard. A series of blurred, surreal images. Paul and Will. Will is laughing, shouting at Paul, pushing him, hitting him, slapping his face. Paul is trying to protect himself and is fighting back.
00:24:02
Speaker 2: Now is the time you should take refuge in his love.
00:24:06
Speaker 4: All I see is his vengeance, his punishment for all our sins.
00:24:14
Speaker 3: My sins.
00:24:16
Speaker 2: You are a wonderful mother. Our Lord loves you.
00:24:20
Speaker 1: Back to interior confessional box the same time.
00:24:25
Speaker 3: You are arrogant. They should rip that collar from your neck.
00:24:32
Speaker 2: I want you to see a therapist. I want you to call one today.
00:24:36
Speaker 3: I don't need a therapist.
00:24:38
Speaker 4: I want this idea, this idea of Christ to forgive me. I want to bathe in his light, that light I'm always hearing about but never seeing.
00:24:48
Speaker 3: I want you to ask for his forgiveness too.
00:24:52
Speaker 2: Our love did not kill your son.
00:24:54
Speaker 3: What are you doing in the church?
00:24:57
Speaker 2: Try to do Christ's work.
00:25:01
Speaker 3: The stranger, he's gay.
00:25:05
Speaker 4: He said, God is love.
00:25:09
Speaker 2: If he exists, he is love.
00:25:13
Speaker 4: The night my son was killed, earlier that evening how my boy and I laughed. I was making fun of Richard and the fussy little cookies he brought into the shop.
00:25:24
Speaker 5: I minced around the room. We roared. Richard doesn't mince.
00:25:29
Speaker 4: A few hours later, my son gets murdered by somebody who hates gay people. What an enormous sense of humor our creator has.
00:25:37
Speaker 6: He sent me this stranger.
00:25:40
Speaker 4: He was like a razor blade slicing my fucking heart.
00:25:44
Speaker 2: Let me take you home. I'll pray with you, hold you, whatever you want.
00:25:51
Speaker 3: Why am I talking to you? You can't deliver this God to me. Mary, she's a mother.
00:26:00
Speaker 5: She'll help me.
00:26:02
Speaker 1: Laurie pulls out a rosary and begins rocking back and forth.
00:26:05
Speaker 5: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
00:26:09
Speaker 2: Stop this.
00:26:10
Speaker 1: Father James quickly gets out of the confessional. Interior, in front of the confessional, continuous. Father James is pulling Lori out of the confessional.
00:26:18
Speaker 4: You must never touch me again. Never.
00:26:22
Speaker 3: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Jesus, Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at.
00:26:28
Speaker 6: The hour of our death.
00:26:29
Speaker 7: Amen.
00:26:30
Speaker 1: The five people now in the church all look toward the confessional. Two of them run up to help Father James.
00:26:36
Speaker 5: It's okay.
00:26:37
Speaker 1: They stop, but continue to stare, riveted at the scene. Lori screams. Then instantly she falls silent. She looks around, almost not sure where she is. She is swimming in grief. End of Act 2.
00:26:55
Speaker 5: Excellent.
00:26:55
Speaker 2: I love that scene. Very great.
Speaker 1: Previously in Act One. It's 1991, Chelsea, an hour after the rain. Paul, a grieving gay widower, has just killed a young man in the alley behind a gay bar. He says it was self-defense. He kept hitting anyway. He runs to his sister Susan, who hides his bloody clothes and lies to her husband. What Paul doesn't know is that someone saw the whole thing. Daniel, a homeless street witness, watched it happen from behind the trash cans and and gave the police a description that looked nothing like Paul. The dead boy was Will. His mother, Lori, cuts hair in the village, and she has been sleeping with her parish priest. She told her son about it before he died. He laughed. Susan is pregnant, Bradley is dying of AIDS, and Daniel, who has been watching Paul longer than anyone realizes, has decided to keep his secret. By the end of Act 1, Lori has destroyed a customer at her salon and walked out for good. Exterior, New York City Street, a moment later. Lori begins descending the subway steps to the PATH train. Paul runs across the street and follows Lori down into the subway. Exterior, PATH train exit later. Lori exits onto the street. Paul is seen in a cluster of people also exiting onto the street. Exterior, Jersey City Street later. Paul watches Lori entering her building. Interior, Lori's bedroom, evening. Lori and Father James are in bed. They just had sex.
00:01:31
Speaker 2: You shouldn't have quit your job.
00:01:33
Speaker 3: What I really wanted to do is scald his head with the dye.
00:01:36
Speaker 2: That's not like you.
00:01:39
Speaker 3: I'm enjoying the hatred. It's giving me something else to feel.
00:01:44
Speaker 4: He wants to be a platinum blonde this season. Useless and ugly in this frightening world.
00:01:49
Speaker 2: You don't know that.
00:01:51
Speaker 3: He'll probably live to be a hundred.
00:01:53
Speaker 2: Bury us all. Please, See somebody?
00:01:59
Speaker 3: Find me a therapist whose son was murdered.
00:02:01
Speaker 5: I'll see her.
00:02:02
Speaker 1: Father James gets out of bed and starts dressing.
00:02:06
Speaker 2: What are you going to do?
00:02:08
Speaker 3: Maybe move to Florida, Tampa. My sister's there.
00:02:12
Speaker 2: Well, that might not be a bad idea.
00:02:17
Speaker 4: So I'd leave here, and you wouldn't care?
00:02:20
Speaker 3: Of course I would.
00:02:22
Speaker 2: I'd visit as often as I could.
00:02:27
Speaker 3: You'll find somebody else to take care of your priestly needs.
00:02:31
Speaker 2: Yeah, there's already a waiting list.
00:02:36
Speaker 4: In a way, you're ideal for a middle-aged woman who's used to living alone, you're dependable, you stick to a schedule, and you're.
00:02:45
Speaker 3: Never around long enough to mess up an apartment.
00:02:47
Speaker 2: Well, maybe you should write my ad for the church bulletin.
00:02:50
Speaker 6: If I move to.
00:02:51
Speaker 4: Florida, do you think finally you could.
00:02:56
Speaker 3: Spend the night?
00:02:59
Speaker 2: Most definitely.
00:03:01
Speaker 1: Interior, AA meeting, evening. Some people are taking their seats, but most are standing and chatting. A few people surround the coffee area. Paul is seated. Daniel nervously makes his way over to Paul.
00:03:13
Speaker 2: Is anyone sitting there?
00:03:15
Speaker 7: No.
00:03:15
Speaker 1: Daniel sits down.
00:03:17
Speaker 2: I like this meeting. It's okay. It's friendlier than most. I hope I'm not bothering you.
00:03:24
Speaker 5: I'm just not very talkative tonight.
00:03:26
Speaker 2: You never are. You don't share. I've never seen you talking with anyone.
00:03:32
Speaker 5: What are you?
00:03:34
Speaker 4: A.A.
00:03:34
Speaker 5: Police?
00:03:35
Speaker 1: Paul is uncomfortable with Daniel sitting next to him. Could be Daniel's clothes or perhaps his smell. Daniel is super aware of this and is equally uncomfortable.
00:03:44
Speaker 2: Sorry, I'm bothering you. I just wanted to say hello and I wanted to let you know.
00:03:54
Speaker 1: Daniel's getting more and more nervous. He gets up.
00:03:58
Speaker 2: That I think are very beautiful.
00:03:59
Speaker 1: Paul has no idea what to make of this. A man is stepping up to the podium.
00:04:04
Speaker 2: Hi, my name is Robert, and I'm... By the way, my name's Daniel.
00:04:08
Speaker 1: Daniel quickly leaves. Interior shower, homeless shelter, that evening. Daniel is in the shower. Martin, a 60-some-year-old, passes the shower stall.
00:04:18
Speaker 2: Daniel, this lights out in a couple minutes.
00:04:21
Speaker 1: There's a ruckus up at the front door.
00:04:23
Speaker 2: You know the rules, Carl.
00:04:25
Speaker 5: It's Celia, bitch.
00:04:27
Speaker 2: You can't come.
00:04:27
Speaker 6: In here high.
00:04:28
Speaker 1: The sound of Martin slamming the door is heard.
00:04:30
Speaker 4: Where the hell am I supposed to go tonight?
00:04:34
Speaker 1: Daniel, hearing all this, tries to shut out the sound of Celia's voice. Interior, the candle. Gay bar on the Upper West Side that evening. The bar's not very crowded. In the corner, sipping a beer, is Richard, Lori's ex-boss. Paul pauses at the bar. He's not seen Richard yet.
00:04:50
Speaker 2: What'll it be?
00:04:51
Speaker 1: Paul wants a real drink, but can't decide if he's going to have one.
00:04:55
Speaker 3: Water.
00:04:56
Speaker 1: The bartender hands Paul a small bottle of water. Paul pays and turns around and spots Richard. Should he walk over to him? He decides yes.
00:05:07
Speaker 5: Hi there.
00:05:08
Speaker 2: Hello.
00:05:09
Speaker 5: You're Richard, right?
00:05:11
Speaker 6: How did you know?
00:05:13
Speaker 5: I'm clairvoyant. I know people's names, ages. That's a real curse. And their favorite I Love Lucy episode. I've been to your salon.
00:05:24
Speaker 6: Really?
00:05:25
Speaker 4: Yeah.
00:05:26
Speaker 5: Oh, I've been there. The woman who cut my hair, she's the one whose son was killed. How's she doing?
00:05:35
Speaker 2: Not well.
00:05:39
Speaker 5: Does she have any other children?
00:05:41
Speaker 2: I really don't want to talk about her.
00:05:45
Speaker 6: Sorry.
00:05:48
Speaker 5: You know, once upon a time, people thought I was charming.
00:05:52
Speaker 2: Once upon a time, we all were. Another time, another universe.
00:05:58
Speaker 5: Boy, it's empty in here tonight.
00:06:00
Speaker 2: It's the times.
00:06:03
Speaker 5: And the boys are getting more efficient. They're on the phone lines now. You're very attractive.
00:06:12
Speaker 6: For an older guy.
00:06:15
Speaker 5: You look married. I bet you got a boyfriend.
00:06:19
Speaker 2: I had one. He died.
00:06:22
Speaker 4: Oh.
00:06:23
Speaker 5: Those dead boyfriends. They're all over the place these days. I've got one of them, too. Sorry. Let's not swap war stories.
00:06:34
Speaker 1: Paul starts shaking and sweating.
00:06:37
Speaker 5: You okay? I can't believe this. I'm not drinking anymore. And suddenly all I want is a beer. Craving it. I didn't think this would happen to me. Um, let me give you my number.
00:06:52
Speaker 2: Don't bother. I'm not ready to hook up.
00:06:56
Speaker 1: Although Paul is slightly shaking, he goes into his pocket, pulls out a piece of paper, and writes his number down.
00:07:02
Speaker 5: Well, you never know. Some night you might be interested in war stories.
00:07:06
Speaker 2: You okay?
00:07:08
Speaker 5: Or maybe some night you'll have an erotic dream about me.
00:07:11
Speaker 6: I don't have them anymore.
00:07:12
Speaker 5: Please, take it. I can't believe how much I'm shaking.
00:07:17
Speaker 1: Richard takes the number.
00:07:19
Speaker 5: Thanks. You never know.
00:07:23
Speaker 1: Paul rushes out of the bar. Richard is worried about this stranger. Exterior, Jersey City, in front of Lori's building, day. Lori walks out of her building and heads for the coffee shop on the corner. Paul, looking tired, is not far behind and follows her into the shop. Interior, Jersey City coffee bar, moments later. It's a Starbucks-like coffee bar. Lori has gotten her coffee. She looks around the room and stops at the only empty table and sits. Paul is watching her. He's gotten his coffee. Lori pulls out a newspaper. Paul approaches her.
00:07:56
Speaker 5: Hello.
00:07:59
Speaker 3: Do I know you?
00:08:01
Speaker 5: Lori, right? You used to cut my hair in the village.
00:08:06
Speaker 3: Sorry, I don't remember you.
00:08:09
Speaker 5: Well, not that memorable. Paul.
00:08:13
Speaker 4: Sorry.
00:08:14
Speaker 5: Sorry. May I?
00:08:17
Speaker 1: Paul does not wait for her response and takes a seat at her table. This makes Lori uncomfortable.
00:08:23
Speaker 5: You're not there anymore, are you? No. Are you at some other shop now?
00:08:28
Speaker 3: A beauty parlor. Around here. It's just women.
00:08:33
Speaker 5: Is it easier than gay guys?
00:08:35
Speaker 3: They're about the same.
00:08:37
Speaker 5: Fussy, right?
00:08:38
Speaker 3: That's one way of putting it. I don't remember you. And I usually remember my clients.
00:08:45
Speaker 4: Yes.
00:08:45
Speaker 5: Maybe I wasn't that fussy.
00:08:47
Speaker 3: Then I'd really remember you.
00:08:49
Speaker 5: It's nice seeing you again. I believe there's a mass tonight at St. Anthony's.
00:08:55
Speaker 1: Lori's getting more and more uncomfortable with this guy. She's glad there are other people around.
00:09:01
Speaker 5: I think I need church these days.
00:09:04
Speaker 3: Why?
00:09:05
Speaker 5: I lost my lover.
00:09:08
Speaker 2: He died.
00:09:09
Speaker 1: Lori softens a bit.
00:09:11
Speaker 3: So you're looking for a reason.
00:09:15
Speaker 5: Maybe.
00:09:15
Speaker 3: Or you're hoping you'll see him again?
00:09:18
Speaker 5: Oh, I don't know about that. That seems too fairytale-ish to me.
00:09:23
Speaker 2: It is.
00:09:25
Speaker 3: Then don't you wonder what the sense of believing any of it?
00:09:30
Speaker 5: It gives you the possibility.
00:09:35
Speaker 3: Kind of like that.
00:09:38
Speaker 5: Are you okay?
00:09:41
Speaker 3: You know about my son, don't you?
00:09:46
Speaker 2: Yes.
00:09:47
Speaker 5: Damn you. Are you from some activist group?
00:09:51
Speaker 3: Don't you people understand? I don't want to have anything to do with you.
00:09:54
Speaker 5: I'm not part of any group. Really, I'm not. They should all leave you alone.
00:09:59
Speaker 3: Like you're doing.
00:10:02
Speaker 5: I am so sorry Paul gets up I'm sorry I shouldn't be bothering you we have to deal with our grief in our own way don't we chip at it bit by bit how's your chipping going won't be over not in this lifetime.
00:10:21
Speaker 1: Better go paul tries to smile at laurie but he's now crying for the first time since the accident laurie grabs paul's hand and pulls him back to his seat a couple of customers glance their way laurie hands him a napkin.
00:10:36
Speaker 3: I hate to see boys cry but we do i.
00:10:42
Speaker 4: Shouldn't have come over to you why did you were you looking for someone sadder than yourself i'm gonna ask what everyone is asking me Are you getting any help?
00:10:54
Speaker 5: There is no help.
00:10:56
Speaker 3: I know what you mean.
00:11:00
Speaker 5: Would you like to come to Mass with me? What?
00:11:04
Speaker 1: Paul starts pulling himself together.
00:11:07
Speaker 5: I don't know why I asked you that. I'm acting crazy. I'm sorry.
00:11:10
Speaker 4: I used to feel comfortable in church, but not anymore. When you go there, where do you like to sit?
00:11:22
Speaker 5: In the back?
00:11:23
Speaker 4: Huh.
00:11:24
Speaker 5: Me too. The front for movies?
00:11:27
Speaker 3: Absolutely.
00:11:28
Speaker 5: The back for church?
00:11:30
Speaker 3: No church for me right now.
00:11:33
Speaker 5: Why not?
00:11:34
Speaker 3: Ever since my son was killed, I've become paranoid.
00:11:37
Speaker 4: Afraid.
00:11:38
Speaker 6: Of what?
00:11:43
Speaker 2: God.
00:11:45
Speaker 5: But he's love. Is he?
00:11:48
Speaker 1: They sit silently for a moment, looking away from each other. Then Lori looks more and more uncomfortable. She looks away from him and Paul notices.
00:11:56
Speaker 5: Sorry.
00:11:57
Speaker 1: He slowly gets up and leaves. Exterior street. Paul walks, looking like life has been drained out of him. Dissolved to interior Ron's apartment early that evening, Paul is sitting in Ron's small living room. It looks like a meeting has been held there. Few chairs are in a circle. Plates filled with the remains of snacks and popcorn are all over the room, as are water glasses and coffee cups.
00:12:21
Speaker 7: I thought you were coming to the team meeting tonight. The team was looking forward to it.
00:12:26
Speaker 5: I forgot I had a meeting with this woman.
00:12:29
Speaker 6: From AA? Yeah.
00:12:32
Speaker 2: Oh well.
00:12:33
Speaker 1: Ron comes out of the bathroom and starts straightening up his living room.
00:12:37
Speaker 5: How'd the meeting go?
00:12:38
Speaker 4: It was a tough one.
00:12:40
Speaker 5: Are you okay?
00:12:41
Speaker 7: I'm sorry I'm not my perky positive self.
00:12:44
Speaker 1: The two men just look at each other for a moment. Ron almost looks like he's shaking.
00:12:48
Speaker 2: I'm sorry. How'd your meeting go? Not well.
00:12:53
Speaker 5: She's suffering a great loss and I didn't help.
00:12:56
Speaker 2: How do you know?
00:12:57
Speaker 5: I know. What happened at your meeting?
00:13:03
Speaker 7: Two of my team members had clients that are dying. And I kept thinking to Bradley. He's going to die soon.
00:13:10
Speaker 2: I'm in a rage.
00:13:11
Speaker 5: I know.
00:13:12
Speaker 7: At our government. At the churches that tell us we're all going to hell. At those comedians who still think it's okay to tell a fag or AIDS joke.
00:13:20
Speaker 5: I remember when I was on your team.
00:13:22
Speaker 7: You make it sound like it was a century ago. It was less than six months.
00:13:29
Speaker 5: I've lost all consciousness of time. Some things feel like yesterday, and some yesterdays feel like a million years ago. Anyway, I was sitting with Joe in the hospital. You remember Joe? Of course.
00:13:44
Speaker 1: Ron sits down.
00:13:47
Speaker 5: We were watching some talk show, and some comic made an AIDS joke. Joe said, They hate us. All I could think was suppose some other guy in the hospital had the TV on and he was alone in his room and dying and that was the last thing he heard. I wish I could cry.
00:14:07
Speaker 2: I can't.
00:14:09
Speaker 5: I did today for the first time in a long time.
00:14:14
Speaker 2: With that woman?
00:14:15
Speaker 5: Yeah.
00:14:17
Speaker 6: How did it feel?
00:14:19
Speaker 5: It was all wrong. Do you feel like dinner?
00:14:25
Speaker 6: No.
00:14:29
Speaker 5: I know rage. It doesn't help. We have to try seeing the good.
00:14:34
Speaker 2: Where?
00:14:36
Speaker 5: In the work you're doing. How many on your team now? Ten. And they each have a client?
00:14:42
Speaker 2: Yes.
00:14:43
Speaker 5: Well, you're giving comfort to ten, no, counting Bradley, eleven people. Maybe I should come back to the team.
00:14:53
Speaker 7: Do you think you're ready?
00:14:56
Speaker 5: No.
00:14:58
Speaker 7: Bradley and I are worried about you. Something is going on that you're not talking about.
00:15:05
Speaker 2: Be honest.
00:15:07
Speaker 6: Are you sick?
00:15:08
Speaker 5: No. Really?
00:15:10
Speaker 2: Really. Thank God.
00:15:14
Speaker 5: I don't feel like being alone, and I don't feel like talking.
00:15:19
Speaker 2: Ditto.
00:15:22
Speaker 7: How about if we watch some bad TV? We might even have a laugh.
00:15:27
Speaker 5: Wouldn't that be something?
00:15:29
Speaker 1: Exterior, street near Riverside Drive, later that night. Daniel and Celia are walking down a deserted street.
00:15:37
Speaker 6: You heard me screaming outside that horrible place? You were there. Why didn't you say nothing?
00:15:47
Speaker 2: There was nothing I could do. You know that.
00:15:49
Speaker 6: You're smelling squeaky clean. What do they do? Lysol you at the shelter? I don't think he's going to like that. He likes his tricks dirty.
00:16:00
Speaker 2: I don't know if I'm in the mood for one of your jobs.
00:16:03
Speaker 6: This one's real easy. And it's $ 25 for each of us and some nice pills. Oh, that's right. You're going to that AA now.
00:16:14
Speaker 2: I go there to see him. And they have cookies.
00:16:18
Speaker 6: You don't even have to touch this guy. I don't even have to touch him. All you got to do is pretend like I'm a real woman.
00:16:25
Speaker 2: Can you say that's easy?
00:16:26
Speaker 6: Twirl on it. And you're my mean bastard of a pimp.
00:16:30
Speaker 1: Interior car on a deserted street a few minutes later. Celia is in the back seat with the John. He's jerking off as he caresses her leg. Daniel sits in the front seat. Only now and then does the John notice what a bad actor Daniel is tonight.
00:16:45
Speaker 2: You want that leg? Oh, I do, sir. Can I touch your pussy?
00:16:50
Speaker 6: A piece of shit like you?
00:16:52
Speaker 2: What would you do to me if I touched it, sir? You wouldn't want to know.
00:16:56
Speaker 6: Slap him.
00:16:57
Speaker 2: You said no fucking touching.
00:16:58
Speaker 5: You'd slap me, sir? Wouldn't you?
00:17:02
Speaker 2: Slap my white scumbag face?
00:17:03
Speaker 6: Do it. That's right.
00:17:05
Speaker 3: That's what you do.
00:17:06
Speaker 1: Daniel is feeling that this is ridiculous, but he turns and looks at the John and is suddenly, truly angry. He lets the John have it with a real good, hard slap, and the John comes. Daniel instantly steps out of the car. Exterior street continuous. Daniel walks a few paces from the car. He is disgusted with himself and the John. Celia and the John can be heard.
00:17:32
Speaker 6: That's 50 plus the pills. You brought the pills, didn't.
00:17:36
Speaker 5: You, Dr.
00:17:36
Speaker 6: McPherson?
00:17:37
Speaker 2: Of course. Was he into it? I couldn't really tell. Oh, yeah.
00:17:42
Speaker 6: It's just that he's getting over a cold. I bet when he wants to, you can be a real mean son of a bitch. Oh, yeah, yeah.
00:17:51
Speaker 2: Next time I want to see that side of him.
00:17:53
Speaker 4: Okay.
00:17:53
Speaker 6: Okay.
00:17:54
Speaker 1: Exterior, street in front of the burger barn, later. From the street, Daniel and Celia can be seen eating burgers and french fries. Celia is laughing. She's high. Daniel gets up and starts walking away from her.
00:18:07
Speaker 6: Where are you going?
00:18:08
Speaker 1: Dissolve to exterior, near Paul's building, later that night. It is pouring. Daniel is huddled in the doorway across the street from Paul's building. He sees Paul run into the building.
00:18:19
Speaker 5: Night, Paul.
00:18:21
Speaker 2: I know your name well.
00:18:25
Speaker 1: Dissolved to, close-up of Susan's face. She looks worried. She puts down the phone. Interior, Susan's living room, continuous. Late afternoon. Susan gets a jacket and is about to leave her apartment. Now his answering machine is off.
00:18:39
Speaker 2: I'm coming with you.
00:18:41
Speaker 3: No, I'd better go alone.
00:18:43
Speaker 1: Nicholas looks worried.
00:18:44
Speaker 6: I'll be okay.
00:18:45
Speaker 1: Interior, Paul's front door later. Susan is pounding on the door. Paul, open the fucking door!
00:18:52
Speaker 5: I'm coming!
00:18:52
Speaker 1: Paul slowly opens the door. Interior, Paul's apartment, continuous. Susan enters. The apartment is neat, except for the cartons of takeout food.
00:19:02
Speaker 3: You're making me feel like a grade B actress.
00:19:04
Speaker 5: Well, hello to you too.
00:19:06
Speaker 6: I have to see you.
00:19:08
Speaker 3: Phone calls are not enough, and today your machine was off.
00:19:13
Speaker 6: You look like you're losing weight.
00:19:15
Speaker 5: I've become a vegetarian.
00:19:16
Speaker 6: Since when?
00:19:17
Speaker 5: A couple weeks now. It's a way to curb violence. Not ingesting any more fear from the animal's When they're slaughtered. Uh-huh. Do you know how they kill chickens we eat? They scream. They cry. They want to live as much as we do.
00:19:35
Speaker 6: Shut up!
00:19:36
Speaker 1: Silence for a moment, then.
00:19:38
Speaker 5: I'm trying to be good.
00:19:39
Speaker 6: You need help. Now, who are we going to call?
00:19:43
Speaker 5: I don't want any help. Not now.
00:19:47
Speaker 6: Can you go back to work? It'll be good for you.
00:19:50
Speaker 5: Can't. Not for a while.
00:19:51
Speaker 6: This leave of absence was not a good idea. What are you doing for money?
00:19:58
Speaker 5: I've got some.
00:19:58
Speaker 3: Oh, for Christ's sakes, you're really frightening me.
00:20:01
Speaker 1: What do you do all day?
00:20:04
Speaker 6: Think.
00:20:06
Speaker 5: I visit Bradley... And sometimes I go to church.
00:20:11
Speaker 6: But you're an atheist.
00:20:13
Speaker 5: Don't remind me. I'm trying to believe. I so want to believe. I keep thinking. Keep praying. Keep praying. And maybe, maybe a miracle will occur. And suddenly I'll believe in God. They say that can happen. A God whose arms are open to everyone. A God who's embracing all our debt.
00:20:42
Speaker 6: Paul, look at what's happening to you.
00:20:47
Speaker 3: There has to be something or somebody that can help.
00:20:50
Speaker 5: If I could bring back that boy in the alley and make him love me, make him love us all.
00:20:57
Speaker 1: Susan is overwhelmed and has no answer for Paul's last statement. Brother and sister just look at each other. And then, suddenly... It was self-defense! It was an accident!
00:21:08
Speaker 5: How do you know?
00:21:09
Speaker 6: Because you wouldn't kill anybody.
00:21:12
Speaker 5: Look what I've done to you.
00:21:13
Speaker 1: You've taken care of me since I was six.
00:21:16
Speaker 3: That's what you've done to me.
00:21:17
Speaker 1: Paul embraces his sister. Silence for a moment, then.
00:21:22
Speaker 5: I can see a baby bump. I want to be a good uncle. I do. I'll find my way. I promise. I'll do it for you.
00:21:34
Speaker 1: Paul slowly lets go of Susan and heads to his answering machine and turns it on.
00:21:39
Speaker 5: Look, it's on.
00:21:41
Speaker 1: Exterior, in front of St. Anthony's Church, day. Lori climbs the steps to the church. Interior, St. Anthony's Church, continuous. Lori enters the church suspiciously, almost afraid. A few people are in the church. Father James is hearing confessions. A young man enters the confessional box. Lori looks at him. She looks around as if she's never been in a church before. She heads for the confessional box and hovers near it, waiting for the young man to come out. When he does, she enters the confessional. Interior, confessional box, continuous. Laurie makes the sign of the cross.
00:22:17
Speaker 3: Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. My last confession was.
00:22:20
Speaker 1: Father James recognizes Laurie's voice.
00:22:23
Speaker 2: Laurie, I shouldn't be hearing your confession.
00:22:26
Speaker 5: Why?
00:22:26
Speaker 3: Are you afraid that this will be more intimate than our fucking?
00:22:30
Speaker 2: Please, not here. I'm sorry.
00:22:32
Speaker 5: I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
00:22:35
Speaker 3: Don't deny me my confession, and it's you that has to hear it.
00:22:40
Speaker 2: Why did you feel such a strong need to confess at this moment?
00:22:45
Speaker 3: I feel our Lord has singled me out to suffer.
00:22:48
Speaker 1: Interior, AA meeting, the same time. An AA meeting is in process. Only the voices of Father James and Lori are heard. Paul is staring at the speaker, but not really paying attention. Daniel, a few rows behind, is looking longingly in Paul's direction.
00:23:04
Speaker 2: I know it feels that way, but it's not true.
00:23:08
Speaker 1: As Laurie speaks, the camera studies Paul's face and Daniel's face.
00:23:13
Speaker 4: I met this stranger. I was convinced that God did not exist. I was comfortable with that idea, but then suddenly.
00:23:21
Speaker 5: There it was.
00:23:22
Speaker 3: God exists!
00:23:26
Speaker 4: And he sent this stranger to me as a punishment. Now I'm frightened of him and frightened of my hate for him.
00:23:36
Speaker 2: Of this stranger?
00:23:37
Speaker 4: Of God!
00:23:38
Speaker 1: Close-up of Paul's blank stare, dissolved to exterior alley, night. A silent scene. Again, only the voices of Father James and Laurie are heard. A series of blurred, surreal images. Paul and Will. Will is laughing, shouting at Paul, pushing him, hitting him, slapping his face. Paul is trying to protect himself and is fighting back.
00:24:02
Speaker 2: Now is the time you should take refuge in his love.
00:24:06
Speaker 4: All I see is his vengeance, his punishment for all our sins.
00:24:14
Speaker 3: My sins.
00:24:16
Speaker 2: You are a wonderful mother. Our Lord loves you.
00:24:20
Speaker 1: Back to interior confessional box the same time.
00:24:25
Speaker 3: You are arrogant. They should rip that collar from your neck.
00:24:32
Speaker 2: I want you to see a therapist. I want you to call one today.
00:24:36
Speaker 3: I don't need a therapist.
00:24:38
Speaker 4: I want this idea, this idea of Christ to forgive me. I want to bathe in his light, that light I'm always hearing about but never seeing.
00:24:48
Speaker 3: I want you to ask for his forgiveness too.
00:24:52
Speaker 2: Our love did not kill your son.
00:24:54
Speaker 3: What are you doing in the church?
00:24:57
Speaker 2: Try to do Christ's work.
00:25:01
Speaker 3: The stranger, he's gay.
00:25:05
Speaker 4: He said, God is love.
00:25:09
Speaker 2: If he exists, he is love.
00:25:13
Speaker 4: The night my son was killed, earlier that evening how my boy and I laughed. I was making fun of Richard and the fussy little cookies he brought into the shop.
00:25:24
Speaker 5: I minced around the room. We roared. Richard doesn't mince.
00:25:29
Speaker 4: A few hours later, my son gets murdered by somebody who hates gay people. What an enormous sense of humor our creator has.
00:25:37
Speaker 6: He sent me this stranger.
00:25:40
Speaker 4: He was like a razor blade slicing my fucking heart.
00:25:44
Speaker 2: Let me take you home. I'll pray with you, hold you, whatever you want.
00:25:51
Speaker 3: Why am I talking to you? You can't deliver this God to me. Mary, she's a mother.
00:26:00
Speaker 5: She'll help me.
00:26:02
Speaker 1: Laurie pulls out a rosary and begins rocking back and forth.
00:26:05
Speaker 5: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
00:26:09
Speaker 2: Stop this.
00:26:10
Speaker 1: Father James quickly gets out of the confessional. Interior, in front of the confessional, continuous. Father James is pulling Lori out of the confessional.
00:26:18
Speaker 4: You must never touch me again. Never.
00:26:22
Speaker 3: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Jesus, Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at.
00:26:28
Speaker 6: The hour of our death.
00:26:29
Speaker 7: Amen.
00:26:30
Speaker 1: The five people now in the church all look toward the confessional. Two of them run up to help Father James.
00:26:36
Speaker 5: It's okay.
00:26:37
Speaker 1: They stop, but continue to stare, riveted at the scene. Lori screams. Then instantly she falls silent. She looks around, almost not sure where she is. She is swimming in grief. End of Act 2.
00:26:55
Speaker 5: Excellent.
00:26:55
Speaker 2: I love that scene. Very great.
