8 Shitutes Left Booker Lines

Lines for Booker

Who was that strange man running through the yard? What was he doing, running crazy like that?

It’s okay, Ma. It was just Simone.

(BOOKER quickly closes the curtains, goes to URSULA)

He didn’t mean to, I’m sure of it, Ma. I’ll fix them. And it was the crocuses, not the tulips. The tulips aren’t up yet.

(BOOKER goes to turn off the kettle, sets a cup of tea in front of her.)

Daffodils are your favorite, Ma. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it. I always take care of it, don’t I?

(BOOKER gently holds the cup of tea to URSULAS mouth.)

Careful, it’s hot.

(A Mantra:)

Calm.

Calm.

Calm.

What is this? Are you trying to poison me?

It’s the Wild Sweet Orange tea you love so much.

No, I don’t like it. Tastes like sour water.

Okay, I’ll just set it right here.

In case you change your mind.

I said I don’t want it, Jimmy.

…

I’m Booker, Ma. Jimmy’s gone.

Gone where. Call him and tell him to bring me back a different…(gestures at cup) Something else. I want something else.

Okay, I’ll get you something else from the store.

(URSULA tries to wheel herself away from the table)

Where are you going?

I want to turn on the TV. I want to watch my stories

It’s not time for your stories, Ma

Okay. It’s not time for my stories?

No, not yet. they’re not on today

They’re not on today

That’s right, they’re not on today.

Something’s not right. Somethings not right today. My flowers-

I’ll fix them

Sour water.

I’ll get a new kind.

Why did he need to be so greedy? But the sister knew all along. Twins always know.

Booker.

You’re a good boy

You’re my favorite boy

…Jimmy was but that’s okay Ma

we don’t have to talk about that right now.

Be a good boy and help your momma out. My legs are tired.

I can’t Ma, the TV’s broken

TV’s broken?

TV’s broken.

Nothing but the news on right now.

There’s nothing good on there that you want to see.

…

You trust me, don’t you Ma

There was a strange man in the backyard.

It was Simone Ma. You remember Simone, from down the way? She had that glow-up bike when we were kids?

The girl with all those freckles?

Yeah, that was her.Simone.

Simone.

I was friends with his mother?

You were. She was your maid of honor

I was married.

For a long time yes.

The dress was lace. Itchy, itchy lace. The sleeves were long, I had to cover up my arms. For the church. I hated it.

Look that’s you and Dad dancing

Willard.

That’s right. You were married to Willard. For fifty years.

`Fifty years?

Damn, that’s a long time!

Nobody else?

Nobody else.

Happy?

Very happy

Jimmy, is it time for my stories yet?

No, not yet Ma.

TV’s still broken?

Yeah. It’s broken.

How am I going to find out what happens then? I’m missing it all!

They’ll run it again. They always do.

Can I have some tea, please Jimmy?

Booker. I’m Booker, Ma.

Your tea’s right here.

It’s so sweet.

How are you doing, you feel okay? Your legs okay?

Can I get you anything else?

You comfortable? Warm enough?

Calm.

Calm.

Calm.

Warm.

Too Warm?

Just right.

Thank you.

You’re a good boy, Jimmy.

Just rest your eyes, Ma, okay?

I’m right here.

I’m right here next to you.

I’m not going anywhere.

(She sleeps, turn off the TV, and makes a groaning sound in her sleep)

Calm. Calm. Calm.

Don’t be getting into the whiskey now, Booker. Don’t be like Jimmy was.

(BOOKER Jumps)

Ma..?

…I told your father to lock it up, get rid of it, but your brother always got into the juice.

A mother always knows.

…You remember all of that, Ma?

My poor Jimmy.

I’m not Jimmy, I’m Booker.

He wasn’t strong like you.

Go ahead, do what you gotta do. But not too much, okay?

(Small; scared) Ma?

I’m gonna come sit by, that okay?