By BAAM
Characters:
Boom the Brown Bear (real name Darien) – 17 years old. Lives in the Flue Flam Forest.
Joanne the Jack Rabbit – 16 years old. Also lives in the Flue Flam Forest. Has been in relationship with Boom for about a year and a half now.
Setting:
In a cave that Boom calls home. It’s quiet, but surprisingly warm. It’s located on the edge of the forest away from everything.
Time:
12am on a Summer night.
At rise: Both Boom and Joanne are in bed pretending to go to sleep.
(Joanne is tossing and turning and occasionally sighing)
BOOM
(looks over at Joanne and rolls his eyes)
What you expecting an apology or something?
JOANNE
We just had an argument Darien, I’m not finna fight with you again.
BOOM
Oh so I’m Darien now? That’s what we doin?
JOANNE
That’s yo name, isn’t it? Now goodnight.
BOOM
Mmm. Right
JOANNE
Mmm.
(A few seconds pass and she starts to toss, turn and sigh again)
BOOM
(turns to face Joanne)
Okay, that’s what we not finna do tonight
JOANNE
Do what, Boom? What we not doin?
BOOM
You really want that apology? That’s what I need to do? Okay. I’m sorry alright? I apologize.
JOANNE
Apology? What are you talking about? I don’t need an apology
BOOM
Yeah okay. Sound nice.
JOANNE
You need to get something off your chest? You obviously gotta say something.
BOOM
Matter of fact, I do gotta say something. We finna do this right now. Yup, right now.
JOANNE
Do what?
BOOM
You know how a couple of months ago we had that talk. About the apologizing?
JOANNE
(sighs)
Yes
BOOM
And how things were going to change and how you were going to be different and all that?
JOANNE
Yes Boom
BOOM
Yeah, it ain’t happening. I ain’t feeling it.
JOANNE
Feeling What?
BOOM
You Babe! I ain’t feeling it from you. Things ain’t changed. You’re acting the same. Every argument, every fight, it’s the same thing. I end up saying it’s my fault. Even if it’s not.
JOANNE
It’s not every time. Don’t exaggerate.
BOOM
No, but thats the thing, it is every time. Think about it Babe, when was the last time you apologized to me? The last time you were like, “You know what, I’m sorry Babe”?
JOANNE
What, I’m supposed to put what I’m feeling to the side so you can feel okay? I’m supposed to be mad so you can be happy?
BOOM
That’s what I do for you! Since the beginning of this relationship I’ve done that. You know that. I’m not asking for you to be mad or hurt, but in a relationship, you take and you give. You do things for the one you love. Is that too much to ask? Or you just can’t change for me?
JOANNE
Yup. Just like you can’t change for me Boom.
BOOM
What are you talking about Joanne? You know I’d do anything for you.
JOANNE
Yeah, anything but change! You know I hate you being out there in those woods, but that doesn’t stop you! Nothing I say can change you.
BOOM
Don’t start with that again. You know who I am and what I do. I told you this when we first started talking! You said you were okay with that and now this.
JOANNE
Yeah, that was before you started getting shot at by hunters. That was before I had to get news from your parents that you were in the zoo and no one knew when you were getting out! That was before I was crying because you didn’t come home when you were supposed to and me thinking you could be DEAD! Do you know how that feels? How that makes me feel? Of course you don’t ‘cause you don’t care! You couldn’t understand.
BOOM
Of course I do! I’m the one getting shot at! I’m the one going to the zoo! I know what the hell is going on! So of course I understand. It’s you that doesn’t understand. I told you what it was. I told you what it is. And that’s that.
JOANNE
And that’s exactly the problem Boom. You’re hurting me and you’re not willing to change. You’re asking me to change because you’re in pain, but you’re not the only one. YOu’re not alone. I’m hurting too. So what I look like doing for you what you wouldn’t do for me?
BOOM
There’s a difference! I won’t change because this is my life. This is who I am. And you know that. It’s not new news. But you just won’t change because you’re stubborn. Because it’s not convenient for you. And honestly, if you ask me, it’s cause you don’t care. I don’t think I can be with someone who obviously doesn’t love me like I love them.
JOANNE
(stares at Boom for a second)
What… what do you mean?
BOOM
(won’t look at Joanne)
You know what I mean
JOANNE
So… so you just gon leave me? What… what happened to getting married? (pause) the kids? The growing old together? (pause) LOOK AT ME! What happened to Forever and ever?
BOOM
Babe, what happened to us? What happened to the love that was always supposed to be there? It ain’t there no moe is it?
JOANNE
What are you talking about, of course it’s there. I’ve always loved you and I still do. It never left. But can you say the same? Cause you’re willing to just drop everything we have. How could you do that if you really love me like you say you do?
BOOM
The same way you keep pushing me to the edge Joanne.
JOANNE
Just like how you keep hurting me out there in those woods? I don’t want to lose you. And I don’t want you to leave me. To leave us. (sighs) So I’ll try. I promise I will Babe. You’re right, I should be paying attention to how I make you feel. I’ve been a bad girlfriend. I’ll be better. But listen, if I’m going to try and make an effort, I need the same from you. (Boom raises his eyebrows)
JOANNE
No Babe, I’m serious. I’m not asking you to change your life. I don’t need you to become a pastorbear or a mailbear, but I need you to slow down out there. For real. I can’t lose you. I love you too much. Do you understand?
BOOM
Yes I understand. And you’re right. I’ve been wilding out there. Things been crazy lately, but that’s my fault. I brought that on me. I’m okay with that, but I didn’t notice what I was doing to you. You know I would never want to see you hurt. Especially not because of me, so I’ll slow down out there. I need to be with you more. I’m sorry Babe. I love you.
JOANNE
You promise?
BOOM
I promise.
JOANNE
No more coming in late night?
BOOM
Done.
JOANNE
No more shootings?
BOOM
Done
JOANNE
I can’t lose you
BOOM
And you won’t. I’m right here next to you.
JOANNE
Forever?
BOOM
And ever
JOANNE
And ever
(They both smile)
THE END
