Didi- Scenes 3-5- Next Draft

Scene 3 – Fifi’s Monologue

So you are wondering how I, all of this, (gesture) am friends with the birthday girl , Terry, right?

The first time I noticed Terry was at yoga (drops into a vinyassa, ending in cobra). My full face was an inch from her ass in the air.

(Fifi acts out the positions he is describing, throwing in some extra moves and spins for effect- the rest of the monolgue is full of dance moves)

I must have been flowing my vinyassa faster than her. She was still in downward dog- hands and feet on the ground with back and butt stretched up toward the sky. Terry’s feet were wide apart, lowering her butt in the space. And opening it. She was lengthening her back in such a way that her weight shifted back towards her feet, sending her butt back, closer to me on the mat behind her. I had already transitioned into a cobra- on my belly pushing my back and chest up and open with my hands on the ground. My nose practically brushing against her anus.

It took me by surprise. I was feeling all breathy and stretchy. My eyes had been practically closed. I admit that I was actually thinking about eating dim sum after class. When I realized where I was, my eyes returned to focus like a cinematic technique. I heard a very gay squeal. Or was that me?

She looked at me through her legs, maintaining her pose. I had scurried back away from her enough to see her face near the ground. I was still on my belly with my torso raised, my hands on either side of my ribs, arms straight and pushing up. She gave me the cutest upside down smile. No embarrassment or apology (I was going to apologize but that smile relieved me of that anxiety). Pure humour and practicality.

Our friendship was launched. I invited her for Dim Sum after class and she accepted with enthusiasm. Maybe we were an unlikely pair. She was straight, maybe 35?. I am 23 and a gayer than gay club dancer. I dance in a cage on the weekends. She seemed to have the confidence of money. I was wondering how I was going to make rent (and going out for lunch). We had the gift of intimacy. Not sexual, obviously, despite my practically rimming her. Hahaha. We had honesty, no edits, no pretending or protecting. We became fast friends and confidants. I looked forward to lunch with Terry after yoga sometimes even more than the class itself. But Terry never wanted to skip class. She was strict. At lunch, we enjoyed food (she often treated me), and laughed and cried. She was a great listener and told me things she couldn’t tell anyone else. I held her secrets like diamond wedding rings.

Scene 4 – Wonder Ball 2 - Tessa

Lena- That’s quite a story. And theatrical! Thank you for setting the bar so high. Don’t worry everyone, it’s ok to just say a few words. Here we go again. I guess if the ball lands on Fifi again, we can just pass it to the next person in the circle. Sound good?

The wonder ball… (ends with Tessa)

Tessa’s monologue.

Hello Everybody. My name is Tessa and I don’t have a lot of experience talking in a group. I don’t know Terry well. I actually have not yet met her in person. You see, she just ordered a keychain from my online figurine company. I don’t think I can say what she ordered in case it is a gift for one of you.

I started the online store because of George.

I’ve had George since I was a little kid. He is a figurine of an elephant, He is also my best friend and constant companion. That must sound weird but I keep him with me always and he is a source of comfort. George used to be on a keychain but he separated from his keychain when I was 9. That’s why he has a small open loop on the top of his back, where the chain had been ripped away.

(she opens her palm and shows George – especially to Todd, the child)

I mostly hold George in my right palm. When I need my hand for something else, he goes into a my right back pocket. I only wear clothes that have a right back pocket. Mainly pants, but sometimes dresses too (she gestures to show she is wearing a dress).

George has a special miniature pillow made of Gold satin that sits on my right nightside table. I put him on the pillow before I go to sleep. Sometimes I check on him way too many times until I fall asleep. It’s compulsive, I know, but also a coping mechanism that has helped me.

Some nights are full of bad memories. On bad nights I reach for George and place him in my palm, just so (she shows her method).

I’m OCD and crazy anxious. I live in fear of things that have already happened. George gives me some resolve that I will never let them happen again. I know he is a piece of metal sculpted into an elephant shape. I also know things that other people don’t know. The way just seeing George brings a sigh to my breath and a feeling of warmth and safety. The familiarity of the sensations in my fist, the skin of my fingers and the inside of my palm creating a cave of safety where my elephant can live.

I can’t believe I have talked so much. (she feels motivated, released by talking, inspired to share more intimately)

So… I’m going to therapy. I could no longer stand the loneliness. George is my best friend but he is not a good talker. It’s hard to imagine depending on him less. But that is what the therapy is for. Maybe not letting go of George, but somehow finding a way to let someone else in. (meets eyes with Rusty, and returns to circle)

Lena- Wow. Thank you for sharing with us and I think you have it in you for sure.

Mom (Nancy) – I’m so glad you are with us tonight.

.

Scene 5 -Rusty

Lena- The wonder ball… (this is the 3^rd round and ends with Rusty)

- Hi Everyone. This should be short and boring. I’m not a big talker. My name is Rusty and I like playing with computer components. I guess you could say that I’m Terry’s boyfriend. We’ve been seeing each other for just a few months. I’m really honoured to be invited to celebrate with family and friends and meet you all.

( the room freezes)

Lena- What??? (mouth open. Tries to say something but nothing comes out). She is my sister! (and Lena runs away- upstage).

Mom (Nancy)- (to Dan) Did he just say he is Terry’s boyfriend?

Dan nods.

Nancy- How about we all take a break and grab a drink? Can someone turn up the music?

(music volume up)

Dan picks up Todd and sits with him at the table. He throws a bin of large lego pieces onto the table and begins to play with him. Once Todd has started to play with the lego, Dan sits back in silence.

Lena is pacing.

Mom has gone to the washroom.

Guests are leaving.