BIRDS 1.5

(Suddenly, Clark grabs her from behind and tries to kiss her.)

Stop--stop! (She pushes him away.) What’s the matter with you?

What are you sore at me for?

I don’t like being ambushed.`

I’m announcing my arrival. Might I kiss you now, milady?

You’re drunk, Clark.

Come now, you make me suffer this whole night and I don’t even get a little kiss?

You suffered?

What was that?

Nothing.

I didn’t want to throw this party in the first place. And I told you not to invite Fred and Pam.

It was the polite thing to do.

And look where that politeness has gotten us.

Let me alone, will you?

Have you ever heard of a Palmerino?

No.

What was it you wanted to tell me?

When?

When you were trying to drag me into the kitchen.

Oh. Nothing. It doesn’t matter.

What was it?

It was about the electric.

C’mere, I want to talk to you.

In a minute, let me finish clearing up.

Uh-uh. Now. (She goes to him.) Sit down. (She does so.) We’re settled, aren’t we?

Sure.

I’ve got a stable job.

Yes.

I make good money.

Yes.

We live in this big house.

Yes.

With three upstairs bedrooms collecting dust.

There’s no dust in those bedrooms.

That’s not the point. It’s about time we had this conversation.

Right this very second?S

Seems as good a time as any.

Clark, I have been up since dawn, I spent the morning cleaning, I spent the afternoon in the kitchen, I’m hot, I have a terrific headache, and now with the bird and the- the everything- my nerves are just completely fried, and I don’t mean to be difficult, but I would really just like it if I could finish clearing up here and go to bed.

What’s the everything?

You will say I sound like a neurotic, but…never mind.

Darling, you’re over excited. Let’s have a drink and relax. We don’t have to talk.

I’m not feeling particularly thirsty at the moment.

What if I sit down here and do a little work…I was planning to get a little work done anyway.

I don’t think so.

But, baby, I’m batting .200 here. How about tomorrow?

Okay.P

Promise?

Promise.

(Edith finishes cleaning up while Clark flips through his papers.)

Goodnight.