SCENE EIGHT

(BETH enters from SR. She is visibly upset. She looks up, above the audience.)

BETH

Our secret's out. I told him. I thought there was nothing to lose, I really did. Either it'd solve everything, or he'd just be mad. (CHARLIE enters from SL, but she does not notice him.) He isn't either, and it's killing me…I can't do this anymore; I just can't. You said you were proud of me…but he can't be proud. I'm too much like you.

CHARLIE

(Moving forward, but still behind her)

Beth?

BETH

(Stiffening)

How much did you hear?

CHARLIE

Who were you talking to?

BETH

Nobody. She's nobody. (She tries to keep herself from crying. CHARLIE is silent, waiting.) She's my mother.

CHARLIE

(Gently)

Is she…

BETH

Dead? To my dad, she is.

CHARLIE

She left?

(BETH breaks down. Alarmed, CHARLIE moves towards her. She turns to face him before he reaches her.)

BETH

I can't paint anymore, Charlie. I'm sorry. (BETH exits SR, running.)

Fade to black