WRITINGS

BITS


GIRL and BOY are sitting at a table with food on their plates. They are eating.

GIRL: I want to stay here. I think I have a calling.
BOY: Well, I’m not sure what to do. Did you ever think about leaving?
G: No, I’m staying put, I’m staying here.
B: Right, but still, have you ever thought of going someplace else?
G: Where?
B: But have you ever thought-
G: I don’t know.
B: are you so sure you want to stay?
(pause)
B: Come with me to Portugal.
G: uh, no… I don’t think so.
B: Why not?
G: Can I tell you a something?
B: Yes.
G: I was walking upstairs from the subway earlier today, when it hit me. I had a revelation. I was walking upstairs while everyone was walking downstairs. I was on the right hand side but people were in my way. It didn’t seem like I was in their’s… people were walking down on both sides of the staircase. I felt like I was in the way. But why? Do you understand?
B: I’m not sure I do.
G: See, this is what I mean.
B: What?
G: You don’t understand.
B: That’s where you’re wrong. I do understand. Us, both of us, aren’t from here. Things are confusing-
G: There’s the question of what is right. Was I wrong?
B: No. You are confused and so am I. You see, this is why I like you.
G: You relate to me?
B: I see your pain. I do! Don’t you feel alone?
G: How can you feel alone when there are 8 million people around you?
B: That’s not my point. No. Listen to me. I want to help you. Come with me to Portugal.
G: I have no calling there.
B: How are you so sure?
G: What is this? Do you love me?
B: I don’t know. But I feel your pain. I relate to you. I think we need to stick together. Because I’ve already smelt your perfume. I’ve tasted it in my mouth.
G: What are you saying?
B: I want to help you. I want to be here for you. I can see that you need help.
G: I don’t really. (smiles)
B: Then why haven’t you left?
G: Do you want me to?
B: I don’t know you very well.
G: I don’t know you as well.
B: Well, tell me about it. Will you?
G: No. I’d like to keep it to myself.
B: Ah Shit! You’re not making this any easier.
G: Why do you think I need help?! Stop thinking because I’m a girl in the city I need some man’s help.
(pause)
G: Why are we even here? Why has it come to this?
B: we’re straying away from details.
G: (laughs) What’s so funny.
B: I’m not smiling.
(pause)
G: I want to breathe.
B: I want to help you.
G: Stalemate.
(pause)
B: I should go. You’re not doing me any good.
G: Wait a moment. Will you wait a moment?
B: I want to help you.
G: I don’t take hand outs.
B: What is the meaning of this?
G: You’re not going anywhere, I know it.
B stands.
(pause)
B: I want to sit back down, but I will only if I hear you say so.
(pause)
B: You’re breaking my heart.
B starts walking away.
G: You’re not leaving me are you? You’re NOT leaving me!
GIRL holds a plate of food in her hands. She stands up. All the contents in the plate run off the plate and onto the ground.
B: I’m going for a smoke…