Love??-Revised

Love??

Characters

GAYLEN, a 20 something young professional, married.

TINA, a 20 something young nursing mother, married.

The baby-their child(non-speaking)

Setting- A living-room in Maryland, Today.

Act 1

(TINA, sitting, is nursing the baby. GAYLEN, sitting drinking gin, on his laptop)

GAYLEN

You shouldn't have done that.

TINA (looking at GAYLEN)

What?

GAYLEN

You know what.

TINA (looking at the baby)

I guess I should know what the hell you're talking about.

GAYLEN (looking at TINA)

And you do, I just wish you didn't do it.

TINA (looks away)

I can't believe you are so upset; it’s really not that big of a deal.

GAYLEN

So you say. It makes me feel less than a man, like I'm not good enough.

TINA

You're so in touch with feelings and emotions; you can't see what a mess we're really in.

GAYLEN

Everything is gonna be fine babe, if you just trust me. We can get through this, together.

TINA

You're NOT getting it, and I can't deal with this anymore.

(The baby begins to cry)

GAYLEN

Shh, put the baby to sleep and we'll have this conversation like civilized adults.

TINA(chuckling)

Well one of us anyways.

GAYLEN

Very funny.

TINA

(exits to put baby to bed)

GAYLEN (to himself, standing)

Where did our love go?

TINA (returns to the living room, standing)

Babe, I'm trying to keep us together, the baby happy and you know I work. I can't be worried about your feelings that much. I swear it’s not purposeful.

GAYLEN

I know you're stressed. I get it, but badmouthing me and telling OUR mothers about our finances will not solve the problems.

TINA

It's a blessing OUR mothers can help us out when we need it.

GAYLEN (strongly)

The bills are up to date and the rent is paid. We are doing fine!!

TINA(yelling)

I DON'T WANT TO GET BY!!! WHAT DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND

GAYLEN

Stop yelling.

TINA

In college, before the baby we were fine. We were fun, but now I don't know me, or you.

GAYLEN (Yelling)

TINA WE AREN'T IN COLLEGE ANYMORE, things change, people grow up.

TINA

And this is your idea of growing up?? Struggling??

GAYLEN

We did everything right. We can't change this. We just have to accept it.

TINA

I don't know if this, us, is gonna work.

GAYLEN

Think of us before you make that decision.

TINA

I have. You can take care of her.

GAYLEN (whispers)

TINA, No!!

TINA

I know what's best for me.

GAYLEN- I'll leave the room. You do what you want

GAYLEN exits

END