Saturday, November 21, 2009

Overly Dramatic

Ben
Rebecca, his wife


(As they enter their house, BEN hangs the keys up and they both take off their jackets. REBECCA has a big spill stain on her dress)

BEN: What's wrong with you today? You didn't say a word the whole ride home.

REBECCA: Apparently a lot is wrong with me.

BEN: Well what's that supposed to mean?

REBECCA: Oh don't act like you don't know!

BEN: I don't!

REBECCA: I saw the way your friends looked at me at the party. I know what they must have been thinking when they saw you with me.

BEN: Is this about when you spilled that drink on your dress? I told you, no one was laughing...(chuckles) well I was, but I already said I'm sorry!

REBECCA: No, that's not what I meant.

BEN: Well then what's your problem?!

REBECCA: The way they looked at me, it was like I was so beneath them. They were looking right through me.

BEN: You know that's not true. They respect you just as they respect me. So what if you got little spill on your dress. It was no big deal.

REBECCA: This isn't about the spill!

BEN: Then what is it about? You want them to treat you like a queen? Huh? Is that it? Like you're some kind of empress they have to bow down to?

(Rebecca is almost in tears but then stands her ground)

REBECCA: No. But a little common decency would be appreciated. The women at the party wouldn't even hold a conversation with me! And your friends looked at me like I was some kind of hired hooker!

BEN: Why do you care so much about your image?

REBECCA: What image? I don't even have an image among those people! I have never seen you without a jacket. I always feel like such a slob compared to you. Before we were married, I was sure you slept with a tie.

BEN: Oh so I'm the bad guy?! Just because I wear suits to work and have friends that are intellectuals, that makes me a jerk?

REBECCA: I didn't say you were a jerk,

BEN: You might as well have. It's clear you're jealous of my appearance. (raises nose in air)

REBECCA: Jealous of-... You are completely missing the point, Ben! I can't be subjected to judgment from your snooty friends every time we go out!

BEN: Well, fine! Let's move to a cave. We'll never go out in public again! Is that what you want?

REBECCA: Oh you're being completely overly dramatic.

BEN: Am I Rebecca? Am I really?

REBECCA: ...Yes Ben, you are.

BEN: Well fine then, I'll go spend the night at my "snooty friend's" house. Wouldn't want to make your life "overly dramatic"!

REBECCA: Ben!

(BEN exits, slamming the door behind him. Rebecca sighs and exits)