Damaged

(Single spot up on a Woman)

WOMAN

His eyes were unlike anyone else’s that I’d ever seen. They could cloud over in an instant and he wouldn’t be the person you thought he was. He told me that he had this purpose. He didn’t quite know what it was...but he knew it was there. And I knew it was there, in his eyes, I could see it but I couldn’t make it out. There was something dark about him and it drew me in. Something almost dangerous...sexy. I would sit next to him while he slept and just look at him, trying to figure out who was in my bed. I knew that behind those volatile eyes there was something more. Something trying to communicate with me. At the time I thought it was a wounded child, abandoned by his father, raised by a sick grandfather, only to be left to grow up too quickly at such a young age. My friends told me that it wasn’t my job to save him. They’d say that I was too good for him...and I knew they were right. But there was this...I don’t know...this longing in his eyes, that kept drawing me back. I tried...time and time again...to save him from his life...from himself...I knew I wasn’t the one who could do it, but how could I not try? Then one night, he calls drunk. No, not drunk...completely wasted...I was unable to make out his words. It was pouring outside...and he was crying. I didn’t know what to do. It was almost as if my child had been hurt. My heart was breaking for him...so I told him to come over and go to sleep, knowing the entire time that this was only going to end badly. When he got to the house, he was drenched...he looked small...weak...damaged...like a child. He curled up on my bed...and cried. Then he sat up...filled with rage...his mood changed as quickly as the wind. He grabbed my nightstand and threw it against the wall. He smashed my room as I sat there in awe...unable to breathe or move for fear that he would remember that I was there. Then he turned...his gorgeous eyes, dark and full of hate...he looked right at me...there was nothing I could do. Never once in my life had a man raised a hand to me...until this moment. The next thing I remember the cops are coming in...arresting him...and taking me to the hospital. I left the next day...battered...bruised...and with a broken arm...I’ve healed...but I’ve never forgotten. I am a woman...and I am strong...and I will never...never...allow this to happen again. I couldn’t save him... But I will be damned if I let my son grow up to become his father...

(As lights FADE to BLACK)

YOUNG BOY VOICE OVER

Mommy, I need you.

(BLACKOUT)

END