Scene 3 – Set 10 (Mike and Jenny’s Living Room) – Songs #14 & #15
It's 8:30 Friday evening. JENNY is disheveled from making dinner for REBECCA and MATTHEW and several of their friends. Jenny is sticking her head out of the front door saying goodbye to the mother picking up her children. The children are saying goodbye to Rebecca and Matthew. It's a commotion. Ronnie is to drop off a file that Diane (the attorney) needs for tomorrow, Saturday. Jenny needs time alone to do her work.
JENNY
Ok. Time for bed.
REBECCA
We don't want to go to sleep.
JENNY
You need your rest so you will be alert tomorrow in class.
MATTHEW
There's no school on Saturday.
JENNY
Oh. It's Friday. That's right.
Jenny is looking for an excuse for some quiet time. She appeals to them.
Ok… Aren't you tired from all the running around during the week?
MATTHEW
Nope.
REBECCA
Maybe we can sleep out here.
JENNY
Out of the question. Ronnie is coming over and I need quiet time to do work for tomorrow.
REBECCA
It's Matt's turn to have Rover tonight and I feel lonesome. I don't want to sleep alone.
Pause. Rebecca rocks back and forth slowly while working Jenny.
Ple-e-e-se mom? I need someone to love, and Rover is so sweet. He's like a piece of candy.
The music to Song #14 – “Like a Piece of Candy” – begins.
REBECCA
I love my puppy. He's so sweet.
He's like a piece of candy.
When I need someone to love,
a puppy can come in handy.
One big squeeze (hug Rover).
A little kiss (kiss Rover).
Makes me smile
just like this (a big smile to the audience).
I love my puppy, he’s so sweet,
he’s like a piece of candy.
When I need someone to love,
a puppy can come in handy.
One big squeeze (hug Rover).
A little kiss (kiss Rover).
Makes me sing
silly songs like this (spread arms wide).
I love my puppy, he’s so sweet,
he’s like a piece of candy.
JENNY
Alright, you can sleep out here, if you promise to be quiet.
REBECCA
I promise Matthew will be quiet.
JENNY
What about you?
MATTHEW
Yah, what about you?
Rebecca turns up the charm.
REBECCA
I'm just a little girl. I'll do my best.
Matthew shakes his head in disgust, being it seems Rebecca always has the upper hand. At that moment, there is a knock on the door.
JENNY
Go get your pillows and blankets, and keep it down.
MATTHEW & REBECCA
Yes!
Matthew and Rebecca give each other high five. They are excited and so is Rover, though he's not sure why. They run off in the same direction but to their respective rooms. Jenny opens the door. RONNIE is holding a file as she enters the living room.
RONNIE
Here’s the file for tomorrow. The contract is all set except for the final figures. First, not only do you have to update the charts, Diane wants to add a table, cross referencing and contrasting the last three years. She will call you with the latest numbers in an hour. Her meeting tomorrow is at 11am. If you meet her at the office for 10, you guys should have plenty of time to review everything before her meeting.
JENNY
Thanks… though it’s not exactly my idea of an exciting Friday night. Speaking of, how was dinner?
RONNIE
Oh my God. I had the (Dish) at (Restaurant). I love that place. I’ll tell you more about it tomorrow. Right now I’ve got to run. We’re going to see (Movie) at (Theater). The last show is in 40 minutes.
JENNY
Sounds like you’re having fun.
RONNIE
Big time! He just asked me to go to (Resort) with him next weekend… but I think it’s a little early for that. Don’t you?
Pause. RONNIE looks hard at Jenny.
Are you O.K.? You seem upset.
JENNY
I’m all right.
RONNIE
Jen, what’s wrong? Is it Mike?
JENNY
I don’t want to burden you with my problems… and you don't want to be late.
RONNIE
Look, we’ve been friends for years, and you’ve always been there for me – listening to me moan and complain about work, boys… life! Com’on. Lay it on me… for me.
JENNY sighs.
JENNY
I’m just a little envious. You’re talking to someone whose big date is with an unfinished contract.
Ronnie reacts as if there is a dawning.
RONNIE
Oh Jen. How could I be so insensitive?
JENNY
It’s not your fault. I just can’t remember the last time I had a night out. Mike is never home, I'm always running, and the minute I catch up, I pass out from exhaustion. At night, sometimes I find myself crying. I look in the mirror and don’t recognize the person looking back.
RONNIE
Gee Jen. You’ve always been a pillar of strength. This is not like you.
JENNY
See what I mean?
RONNIE
I feel bad.
JENNY
Please don’t. I have everything I ever wanted – a good job, a husband, two children, and a home. But the pressures of making ends meet, having no time for myself, and feeling trapped in a relationship that is not exciting any more are wearisome. I need a change or I think I’m going to lose it.
RONNIE
Jen, would you like me to stay with you?
JENNY
No, I’m fine, really. You just caught me off guard.
RONNIE
Are you sure you’re O.K.?
JENNY
Yes. Thank you. Go.
RONNIE, hesitantly, turns to leave.
And Ron…
Ronnie turns back toward Jenny.
Honest, I’m happy for you. Enjoy it while it lasts.
Ronnie and Jenny smile. They give each other a hug. Jenny shows Ronnie to the door. When the door closes, Jenny turns her attention to the children. They are excited and jumping around on the couch with Rover. Again, its a commotion.
JENNY
The deal was you could stay out here if you go to sleep.
MATTHEW
But I want to play.
REBECCA
Yah mom. We still want to play?
Rebecca is so exhausted she begins to cry.
JENNY
Who said you have to stop playing?
MATTHEW
Huh? You just said we have to go to sleep.
JENNY
You can play and sleep at the same time.
While sobbing, Rebecca responds.
REBECCA
Sure. Who do you think you're talking to?
The music to Song #15 – “Go to Sleep” – begins.
JENNY
Listen up.
Jenny tucks the covers around the children, getting them comfortable.
You had an exciting day
filled with so much fun.
You think by going to sleep,
the fun is done.
But if you listen to my song,
you can play all night long.
Go to sleep. Wipe your tears away.
Go to sleep. Get ready to play.
When you dream the colors will be
bright just like the day.
Better yet there’s magic
in the land of endless play.
Where any toy that you can see
will spring to life if you believe.
So go to sleep. Close your weary eyes.
Go to sleep. Everything’s all right.
When you dream the colors will be
bright just like the day.
Better yet there’s magic
in the land of endless play.
Best of all, when you awake,
there won’t be toys to put away.
So go to sleep. Wipe your tears away.
Go to sleep. Get ready to play.
If you think about it you won’t be gone for so long.
And if you dream about them you can bring your friends along.
So go to sleep. Wipe your tears away.
Go to sleep. Get ready to play.
Go to sleep. Close your weary eyes.
Go to sleep. Everything’s all right.
Go to sleep.
Go to sleep.
Go to sleep.
Go to sleep.
Jenny looks back fondly on the children who are fast asleep. Then she looks at the folder in her hand, thinks for a moment, takes a deep breath, looks to the audience, and sighs. The lights go down. End of ACT II, Scene 3.