Scene Three - Stop Kiss

(start of scene)

I mean that’s the way I am with the kids.

Sure, with kids it’s OK.

Why just them? Listen, everyday when I walk by this park this guy, he’s all cracked out, says something to me, you know, something nasty and I just lower my head and walk by.

Yep.

But yesterday, one of my students, Malik, is waiting for me outside the school and says he wants to walk me to the subway. So I say “sure”, thinking maybe he has a problem he wants to tell me about. So, we’re walking and we pass by the park and I’m worried. “Is this crackhead gonna mention my vagina in front of this eight year old boy?" Sure enough, it’s “pussy this” and “booty that” and Malik says, “This is my teacher, watch your mouth.” And the guy shuts up.

Still-

Freaking eight year old boy. I should be able to do that for myself.

The best thing to do is walk on by.

But it worked.

Next time, just walk on by.

Why, what’s ever happened to you?

( voice message ) We’ll be here for a while so come hang out. Bye.

I should go.

No no theyll be there for hours

I’ve taken up your whole-

Are you hungry? We could order in something. Theres polish, indian, cuban, theres a pretty good vietnamese-

Are you sure you dont- I’ve never had Vietnamese

I’ll show yo uthe menu. Something to drink? beer?

Yes to beer. Were those friends from work?

Oh no the people at my job……A study in overdependency.

Is george your boyfriend?

I like the noodle dishes…. Anyway we’ll probably get married. Or not.

It’s stuck between two again

Why’s that keep happening to you?

Me? I think you have it rigged.

Ok ok

All my friends are getting married or getting engaged, having babies or wishing they were—and lately when I hear about it, I think, why?

Why not?

Marriage. Why would you say to anyone “I will stay with you even if I outgrow you.”

Peter. Did you leave him to come here?

No.

Mm…c minus

In what.

Acting. Im sorry—

No no—

Im prying—

No that’s not why—

I hope I didn’t—

No it’s ok.

Did you decide what you wanted to order?

I moved out from our apartment—we lived together—and moved in with my parents about a month ago. I came here from there.

How—how long

Seven years.

Seven…so you must still be

—Finally. Finally where I want to be. Ill stay in new york for two years and then I’m going to take off.

Let me guess: India.

A for effort but no. Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Micronesia—

All the countries that sound like skin rashes?

Peter said, “What about anesthia?” Speaking—what time is it?

Almost 6

Hm.

What?

Oh, he left a message on my machine saying he was going to call at 6. He wants to come visit. He manages a restaurant in St.Louis so he wants to come and check out some of the special places here.

You’d better hurry.

I couldn’t make it in 15 minutes.

You could if you took a cab.

But then I wouldn’t have Vietnamese food.

We could do it another time.

I just started this beer.

You wouldn’t want to waste a beer.

That’s what I was thinking.

Cheers. I always get this. It’s not too spicy.

What is that?

Crispy squid in a little salt and—

No, what is that?

Huh? Oh. Every Thursday and Saturday at 6.

What.

I think he teaches horses how to river dance.

Have you complained?

It happens at exactly the same time twice a week for an hour. I just make sure I’m out or doing something loud.

Let’s go up there.

No no—

Why not?

We gotta stay here and wait for the food.

We haven’t ordered it yet.

Yeah so what do you want.

Chicken

What kind of chicken?

You’re chicken. BAKAW

No I’m not, I’m smart.

All right, I’ll go.

Sara. Come on, don’t. Please.

OK

Im gonna order. What do you want.

Aw come on lets go!